Rising early and taking off to go for a big mileage day and big views. Boy this ride did not disappoint, it was amazing.
There was a chilly bite in the air most of the day. The first part was calm winds and clear skies. Probably the clearest sky I’ve seen the whole tour. I was actually feeling slightly disappointed so far, because almost every day was either cloudy, foggy, hazy or smoky. These conditions are not optimal for photography and video. It’s challenging to capture the grand landscapes the area has to offer. But today, although not perfect, was great.
As the day progressed the wind intensified and turned into a heavy headwind battle in the flatlands by the ocean. But mercifully as the intense hill climbing began it was sheltered from the winds. All in all the winds of the low land felt like climbing and the hills felt like climbing. In fact today was third highest climbing day of the tour so far. But the views and scenery were so spectacular, it didn’t seem quite as difficult as it should have.
Just before elephant seal viewing area, I rode with the bicyclist that was visiting from back east. We rode together and chatted for a while about touring and other activities. He shared two fig newtons with me at elephant seal viewpoint, then we parted ways as he return back south.
I stopped for the day at Plaskett Creek State Park. The campground is peaceful with a very nice and generous Hiker / Biker area for only five dollars.
Of all the places and far out areas I’ve been in the 17 days, this is the first one that doesn’t l have mobile or data service. I’m still working on this blog post but it won’t be able to be finished and uploaded until I return to a service area.
Tomorrow, I expect some more climbing with spectacular views as I continue towards the city of Big Sur.
Ride summary: 6.5/10 difficulty, 65 miles with 4160 feet climbing. Mostly clear with times of fog and 60s and 70s temp but high wind chill. Mild to heavy headwinds. Today’s ride detailed GPS. Tour totals: 771 miles (45 / day). 42,464 climbing feet.
4 responses to “Day 17 – Bicycle Touring Morro Bay SP to Plaskett Creek SP. Big Views, winds and climbs”
All those beautiful sights and photos, and I find myself liking the two pictures of Highway One road best. Either you didn’t right about them, or you didn’t have any mechanical issues today. I hope that the latter is correct.
I really like the road pictures too, I just didn’t want to put too many in, but I took more! No mechanical issues 😊
Hey Deeg…got your blog from cuzn Judy. This is cuzn “Sandy” l – currently living in “Phx AZ”.
Love the blog, as used to live in Sausalito/Marin Cnty n work in SF…so totally enjoying your ride pics, blog . . .n the views. Thanks 4 sharing. Pics remind me of watching the fog roll in from the ocean…”fingers” of it curling through the Golden Gate Bridge n drifting up n down over the hills into Sausalito…mesmerizing.
So much fun to “ride along” with you…thanks 4 this…colors r spectacular. Plus..reminds me of the “burn” of climbing hills on my old 10-speed.
It’s great to hear from you. I’m glad you enjoy the posts and that they bring back good memories.